Press releases

Chisinau, 27 September 2024 — On the occasion of the World Tourism Day, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova organised Moldova Tourism Forum 2024. The event took place in Chisinau and brought together representatives from industry, authorities and entrepreneurs.

The aim of the Forum was to promote development opportunities for SMEs in the tourism sector. The debates focused on sustainable development projects, highlighting the importance of accessing non-repayable funds, which are essential for supporting tourism infrastructure.

At the event, Ion Lice, Head of the Implementation Unit of the Tourism SME Support Programme of the Organisation for the Development of Entrepreneurship, provided details of the grant programme.

“Tourism is a key branch for the development of the national economy and for promoting Moldova’s international image. By investing in modernising tourism infrastructure and supporting SMEs in the sector, we want to create a network of attractive destinations that value our cultural and natural heritage. ODA’s support programme for SMEs in tourism comes to support this vision by providing financial support for the reconstruction and modernisation of tourist facilities, but also for the promotion of local tourism”mentioned Ion Lice.

The programme provides support for various essential activities in the development of tourism infrastructure, including the reconstruction, mobilisation and equipment of accommodation and food facilities, the accommodation of accessibility for special people, as well as the restoration and refurbishment of genuine tourist facilities in rural areas. The programme also finances activities to promote tourist destinations, such as marketing campaigns and the organisation of infotures.

Launched in summer 2023, the programme gives tourism SMEs access to non-repayable financing of up to lei 500000, covering up to 70 % of the total value of the investment project. Since the programme started, 49 companies have benefited from grants totalling lei 17.3 million, thus supporting the planned investment of lei 36 million.

The support programme for SMEs in the field of tourism is financed by the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the European Union through ODA.